Kevin Pietersen - Portrait of a Rebel

Kevin Pietersen is a renowned cricketing renegade and one of the greatest, and most controversial, cricketers of his generation. Born in South Africa in 1980 to an Afrikaner father and English mother, he made his first-class cricket debut at the age of 17. Signing to Nottinghamshire in 2000 he had a stunning debut season, which saw him move to Hampshire in 2004 and make his international debut in the controversial tour of Zimbabwe the same year. He played a key role in the thrilling victory in the 2005 Ashes, where he finished the series as the highest scoring player. In August 2008, he was appointed captain and despite his success he quit in early January 2009. Cocky, outspoken and undoubtedly talented, Kevin Pietersen looks sure to be a giant of the sport for many years.

Marcus Stead is a freelance news and sports writer and avid cricket fan who regularly contributes to a range of printed and web based publications. His previous books include a biography of rugby union legend Brian O'Driscoll.